When I visited the National Museum of American History in Washington, DC, they had an exhibition on Abraham Lincoln. I will never forget staring at his iconic top hat in a display case, right after learning about his life and death. That exhibit made Lincoln real to me like no history book ever had. It’s why our museums are so very important. What better way to appreciate black history than to visit (in person or virtually) one of these great museums, monuments or exhibits that can help bring history alive.
Please note: Due to COVID, some of these locations are closed or available by appointment only. Please use the links to get updates before visiting. Many also have virtual exhibits so you can visit right from home.
Michigan
Detroit
Detroit received the first “African American Heritage Destination” designation from the Travel Professionals of Color. As you would expect from a location with that designation, they do a wonderful job of preserving African American history and educating the public. Here are some of the great heritage sites in Detroit.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History – The focus at this this museum is on celebrating and exploring the rich and complex history of African Americans. The exhibitions celebrate the successes of African Americans.
The Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum – No one will help you appreciate Black History more than the Tuskegee Airmen. Learn more about the incredible story of the young men who overcame discrimination to prove that they were valuable assets to the military. At a time when some people still though they were less intelligent than their white peers, they refused to be stereotyped.
Motown Museum – “Motown Museum is home to iconic Hitsville U.S.A., Studio A, and an extensive array of Motown artifacts, photographs, apparel and memorabilia.”
William V. Banks Broadcast Museum and Media Center – Learn about the first black owned and operated TV station in the US.
Other Parts ofMichigan
Kimball House Museum, Battle Creek – This museum is home to the Sojourner Truth exhibit room. Sojourner Truth was an anti-slavery activist who lived in Battle Creek.
Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorobilia, Big Rapids – A showcase of racist artifacts.
Illinois
DuSable Museum of African American History, Chicago – This museums tells the history of African Americans in Illinois and the US.
National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum and Pullman Historic District in Chicago, Illinois – In the late 1860s, George Pullman sought out former slaves to work on the railroad as porters. This helped create the black middle class. In 1925, under the leadership of A. Philip Randolph, the porters unionized. Learn more about the porters and the historic district on the website and at the museum.
Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, Springfield – This museum highlights the contributions of African Americans in Illinois.
The African American Museum of Southern Illinois, Carbondale – This small museum has a rotating display of art and slave artifacts.
Ohio
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati – The center features exhibits on the history of slavery and the Underground Railroad. It also contains the world’s first exhibit on modern day slavery and human-trafficking by telling the stories of 5 individuals who experienced it. An exhibit on “Implicit bias” can help you open your mind to unconscious bias.
The Cleveland African American Museum, Cleveland – This museum focuses on educating people on the contributions of people of African descent around the world.
Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum, Ashtabula – Home of the Hubbard family and an important stop on the Underground Railroad.
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, Wilberforce – This site became a National Monument in 2013. Visit to learn more about Charles Young and the Buffalo Soldiers.
Underground Railroad Museum, Flushing – Exhibits details slavery, the Underground Railroad and the culture in the 1800s in Ohio.
Missouri
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Kansas City – Even if you’re not a baseball fan, you will have fun learning to appreciate Black History at this museum. Learn about the Negro Leagues and how black players fought for recognition. The museum has 10 bronze statues of baseball greats standing on a field, so you can imagine yourself there in the stands.
American Jazz Museum, Kansas City- This museum details the history of jazz music. You can even see Ella Fitzgerald’s gown. For other attractions in Kansas City, check out this post.
Carver National Monument, Diamond – Visit the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver, an African American scientist and inventor.
The Griot Museum of Black History, St. Louis – A unique museum which brings historic black people to life as full sized wax figures.
Iowa
African American Museum of Iowa, Cedar Rapids – They are dedicated to telling the story of African Americans in Iowa. For other things to do while you’re visiting Cedar Rapids, check out this post.
Indiana
Levi and Catharine Coffin House, Fountain City – The home of Quakers Levi and Catharine Coffin. Their home was an important stop on the Underground Railroad.
Evansville African American Museum, Evansville – A beautiful museum meant to “educate the public on the history and traditions of African American families.”
Freetown Village, Indianapolis – A living history museum.
African American Historical Society Museum, Fort Wayne – Exhibits on African American History and culture as well as a large collection of African Art.
Minnesota
Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, Minneapolis – Their permanent exhibit explores the resilience of African Americans in Minnesota. A temporary exhibit running through April 2021 uses decommissioned guns provided by the Minnesota Police Department to create statements about the impact of gun violence.
Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial, Duluth – This memorial highlights a dark moment in history, but in a way that’s intended to promote healing and change. It’s a moving memorial and you can view detailed pictures of it on the website.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Black Historical Society – Celebrating the history and achievements of African Americans in Wisconsin. Make sure you check out the beautiful mural.
America’s Black Holocaust Museum, Milwaukee – The museum “Describes and commemorates the Black Holocaust from pre-captivity in Africa to the present day.” Previously an online museum, they will be opening their new physical location soon.
Travel Accessory
I’m a huge fan of the product and gift lists you see floating around the internet because I usually find some new-to-me product for myself, a friend or family member. I’d like to offer you the same inspiration by highlighting a travel accessory in each post.
This section contains an affiliate link. If you use this link to buy something I may earn a commission.
When you’re at a museum you’ll want to keep your hands free for all those interactive exhibits. Many museums also have size limitations on any bags you bring into the museum. This small backpack will keep your hands free and it’s also packable when not in use.
Final Thoughts
For more places that will help you appreciate Black History, check out this National Park Service page with a list of the Underground Railroad sites. Many of them are museums today. If you use my trip suggestions or if you’ve visited any of these locations in the past, please provide your reviews in the comments. Did I miss something? Please add other itinerary suggestions in the comments, especially if they are off the beaten path. Happy vacationing!